Arte + Activismo
We bring awareness of the history and cultural contributions of people of African descent in Peru through education, music and dance performances, community connections, and collaborations with local and visiting artists from Peru.
Monica Rojas-Stewart and cajon students, Neptune theater, 2015
A global-local effort
DE CAJóN Project is a community arts organization based in Seattle, WA. Since its launching in 2009, we have been dedicated to bringing awareness and educating about the cultural contributions of Peruvians of African descent. We strive to serve as an extension of the historical, current and ever evolving efforts and initiatives among Afro-Peruvian artists and activists in Peru. We facilitate music and dance workshops; offer lectures and residencies; perform widely throughout the Pacific Northwest with our company and build community through art.
The Atajo de Negritos tradition performed simultaneously in Seattle and Peru
¡De cajón! = Without question!
The introduction of the Peruvian cajón (wooden box drum) into Spanish Flamenco music in the 1970’s led to its globalization and subsequent local reclamation in Peru. This movement stimulated the Peruvian government to officially recognize this musical instrument as part of the nation’s cultural heritage in 2001.
Not only is the cajón the seed of this project. The phrase “de cajón” is a strong reaffirming Peruvian expression meaning “for sure,” “rain or shine,” “without question.” Thus, the name “DE CAJóN Project” reflects both the core instrument of Afro-Peruvian musical tradition and declares our commitment to and solidarity with Peruvians of African descent without question!
Gabriel Cerna playing cajón at Echoes Afroperuanos, June 2011
Upcoming Events
“The arts can unlock our own stories and the multiple identities embodied in each of us, to walk in this world making better decisions and build together the world in which we want to live.”
— Monica Rojas Stewart, DE CAJóN Project founder and director.